I guess it's the same reason people get their cars customized and resprayed Some people like factory stock, some like custom Personally, the iconic status of the 1655 irritates me. Design-wise, yes, it was a unique watch, so deserves its place in Rolex history on that merit, but everytime someone calls it a 'McQueen' (even though I know I once did that myself) I cringe, as there's no proof of him ever having anything to do with the watch. Newman Daytonas, sure, that was what Newman wore, but McQueen wore a 5513 (or 5512, I forget which...), not a 1655... If anything, it should now be refered to as a Bloom, as there is actually proof of Orlando owning one (and getting it stolen ) Back on the topic though, I guess if someone can afford the pricetag and still want to customize, I guess they're just not worried about resale value
I think the VRF folks would just go nuts with indignation at such sacrilege But of course, the South African MilSub was Teflon coated, and I'd guarantee that if there was a historical precedent for such a 1655, those same folks would go equally nuts with adoration and the desire to acquire